JP6359025B2 - Footwear articles having a cord structure - Google Patents

Description

(Background / Abstract)
Footwear constructions typically rely on the manipulation of flat materials into a three-dimensional shape to form a footwear article. Fabric, leather or other material can be cut and sewn or otherwise attached and wrapped around the foot mold to produce the desired shape for the article, such as the footwear top .

  The inventors have recognized several drawbacks with this traditional approach. For example, the material used to construct the upper portion may have only limited flexibility in terms of flexibility, thereby limiting the way the upper portion adapts to the wearer's foot, and comfortable To reduce. As a result, even after the footwear has been worn for a considerable amount of time, it may still not fully adapt to the actual contours of the wearer's foot.

  To at least partially address this issue, the inventors have taken an alternative approach to footwear constructions herein. In one approach, at least a portion of the top is formed by a plurality of intertwined cords. For example, the upper portion may include one or more uninterrupted cords that engage itself and / or more than one additional cord in a plurality of intertwined but still at least partially slipping locations. Can be formed from Due to the slippable intertwined connection between the code sections, the overall shape or contour of the upper part can vary but remains flexible at the same time. In this way, the upper portion can easily adapt to the wearer's foot while still providing support while remaining highly flexible.

  In another example, an article of footwear may include a looped top with fibers or cords formed in the structure. In one example, the cords in the upper part can be in slipable engagement with each other and can be engaged at the boundary with the sole. The cords in the upper part can also be interlocked with each other. Slippable engagements can be formed at cord boundaries, which are positioned along loop lines across the upper lateral and intermediate sides and further across the forefoot and / or toe region. . The looped top can be formed with various grid-like patterns. The fiber or cord may include grass, flax, and other fibrous plant materials. In addition, it can include artificial polyamides such as nylon, although organic polyamides can also be used. Still further, the cord may include a polymeric material.

  Providing a looped top with cords that can slip relative to each other at the top and still have reduced slip at the sole allows the top to form a fit to the wearer's foot However, it is possible to hold a functional footwear article held on the wearer's foot. For example, slips between various cord boundaries allow each cord section between the boundaries to have a variable length, and the entire top conforms to the actual shape of the wearer's foot.

  Although described with respect to a slippable boundary, there may be some embodiments and / or a portion of the upper portion where slip is limited (controlled) and / or prevented, because some embodiments It should be appreciated that this may or may not be necessary. For example, and not as a limitation, controlled slip may be provided in response to a desired limitation on movement. For example, a controlled slip may be provided to handle rapid lateral movement where some slip is provided but distance and / or time is limited. Further, in other embodiments, the one or more regions of the upper portion are not slippable and may be configured to create a more rigid non-slip or limited slip boundary. As an example, the slip range may be controlled by one or more slippable boundaries, the length of the code section, and so on. In addition, the type and position of code sections and boundaries can be further used to provide controlled slip.

  In another example, an article of footwear can include a sole coupled to a cord structure. The cord structure may include interconnected curves in the toe leather cord and land cords that form loop lines that extend along at least a portion of the footwear article. Each of the toe leather cords and land straps may be formed by one or more uninterrupted cords.

The bends interconnecting in the cord structure allow for a three-dimensional form of conforming structure to be provided in the footwear article. The connection between these bends can increase the range of movement of the cord structure and the freedom of movement when compared to other footwear articles that use sewn material wrapped around the foot form. it can. As a result, the shape of the cord structure adapts and adapts to the foot with minimal wear. As a result, the comfort of the footwear article is increased.
This specification also provides the following items, for example.
(Item 1)
A footwear article, wherein the footwear article is:
An upper portion, wherein at least a portion of the upper portion is formed by one or more cords that are slidably engaged and intertwined, the cords configured to at least partially surround the foot, Footwear articles, at least one of which is engaged with the sole.
(Item 2)
The top is one or more uninterrupted cords, the uninterrupted cords being uninterrupted cords that engage themselves, and / or one or more additional cords, the additional cords An article of footwear according to item 1, wherein the cord comprises a plurality of cords, wherein the cords are intertwined at a selected location, but are still at least partially slipably engaged.
(Item 3)
The footwear article of item 2, wherein the slip-engaged position is positioned along one or more loop lines that traverse around a portion of the upper portion.
(Item 4)
One or more of the cords borders the sole with a partially locking engagement at a plurality of positions, wherein the plurality of positions are all or part of at least a portion of the sole. The footwear article according to Item 3, wherein
(Item 5)
The footwear article of item 1, wherein the support structure is intertwined with one or more of the cords.
(Item 6)
The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the support structure has less flexibility than a cord structure.
(Item 7)
6. The article of footwear according to item 5, wherein the support structure is a heel counter adjacent to the heel side of the sole.
(Item 8)
The footwear article of item 1, wherein the one or more intertwined cords are flexible to bend in any direction and still retain their shape at least partially in a free state.
(Item 9)
An article of footwear, the footwear article comprising a looped top with fibers or cords forming a structure configured to surround the foot, wherein the cords at the top are slippery engagements relative to each other. In the footwear article, which is attached with limited slip at the boundary with the sole.
(Item 10)
The slippable engagement is formed at a cord boundary, the cord boundary being positioned along a loop line, the loop line crossing the upper lateral and central sides, and a forefoot region and / or toe An article of footwear according to item 9, further crossing an area.
(Item 11)
15. The article of footwear recited in item 10, wherein the looped top is formed in an intertwined pattern, but is substantially free of knots at a plurality of slippable boundaries positioned away from the sole.
(Item 12)
The footwear article according to item 9, wherein the cord in the structure is connected to the sole by a mounting opening in the sole.
(Item 13)
A footwear article, wherein the footwear article is:
A sole having a cord structure mounting opening;
A cord structure including a land substructure, the land substructure extending into the cord structure attachment opening to connect the sole to the land substructure; and A cord structure having a land attachment curved portion included in the claw leather sub-structure and an interconnected claw leather sub-curved portion
An article of footwear comprising.
(Item 14)
14. An article of footwear according to item 13, wherein the claw leather substructure is positioned away from the sole.
(Item 15)
14. An article of footwear according to item 13, wherein the land substructure comprises one or more land codes.
(Item 16)
14. An article of footwear according to item 13, wherein the claw leather substructure comprises one or more claw leather cords.
(Item 17)
14. The article of footwear according to item 13, wherein the cord structure further includes a sole cord extending through the sole attachment curved portion.
(Item 18)
14. An article of footwear according to item 13, wherein a plurality of cords in the cord structure provide slipperable engagement by interlocking.
(Item 19)
14. An article of footwear according to item 13, further comprising a heel counter coupled to the cord structure, wherein one or more of the cords in the cord structure extend through the heel counter.
(Item 20)
14. An article of footwear according to item 13, wherein the cord structure includes a first section and a second section having different degrees of slippable engagement.

  This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a first example of an article of footwear.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the sole of the footwear article shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an intertwined pattern of cords in the footwear article shown in FIGS.

4-9 show different views of the footwear article of the second example. 4-9 show different views of the footwear article of the second example. 4-9 show different views of the footwear article of the second example. 4-9 show different views of the footwear article of the second example. 4-9 show different views of the footwear article of the second example. 4-9 show different views of the footwear article of the second example.

10-15 show different views of the footwear article of the third example. 10-15 show different views of the footwear article of the third example. 10-15 show different views of the footwear article of the third example. 10-15 show different views of the footwear article of the third example. 10-15 show different views of the footwear article of the third example. 10-15 show different views of the footwear article of the third example.

16-21 show diagrams of different example footwear articles. 16-21 show diagrams of different example footwear articles. 16-21 show diagrams of different example footwear articles. 16-21 show diagrams of different example footwear articles. 16-21 show diagrams of different example footwear articles. 16-21 show diagrams of different example footwear articles.

22-24 show different example sole sections. 22-24 show different example sole sections. 22-24 show different example sole sections.

  1-21 are drawn on a constant scale. However, other relative dimensions can be used if desired.

(Detailed explanation)
Footwear articles constructed from the code are described herein. The article of footwear may include interconnected curvatures in the cord structure that provide a conformation structure in a three-dimensional form. This cord structure increases the range of motion of the upper part of the footwear article while retaining flexibility and comfort. This cord structure can be highly adapted to the shape of the foot during use due to the relative movement provided by the bend. For example, by providing an array of bend interconnects across the top from the side to the middle and across the forefoot region, for example, hundreds of adjustments can be made automatically by the cord structure, Appropriate length of each code section is achieved between the bends. As a result, the comfort of the footwear is increased.

  The exemplary cord structures described herein also allow the manufacturing process of footwear articles to be simplified when compared to other types of shoe constructions that use foot forms.

  FIG. 1 shows a footwear article of a first example. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the sole included in the footwear article shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows an example of an intertwined pattern of cords in the footwear article shown in FIGS.

  4-9 show different views of the footwear article of the second example. 10-15 show different views of the footwear article of the third example. FIGS. 16-21 show views of further example footwear articles and FIGS. 22-24 show sections of different example soles.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary footwear article 50. The footwear article 50 includes a sole (footwear bottom) 52. The sole 52 may be an insole / midsole in one example. Thus, the insole and midsole can be a single component in this footwear article. However, in other embodiments, the insole and midsole may be separate components in the article of footwear. Further, in one example, the footwear article 50 may also include an outsole. However, in other embodiments, the footwear article 50 may not include an outsole, or the outsole may be integrated into the sole 52.

  The sole 52 is attached to the cord structure 66. This code structure 66 is included in the upper portion 67. This code structure may be formed from a number of code sections that interlock with each other. The cords are listed above as strings, twines, yarns, ropes, cables, braided or kinked material strands, and / or kinked or otherwise combined Other code-like structures including combinations of examples may be included. In one example, the cord includes an approximately 1/8 inch nylon cord with an outer sheath and an inner strand. Of course, other sizing can also be used. In another example, the cord can be double braided nylon with an inner braid that fills the central void, which can be the same or different materials, and an outer braid that can be the same or different materials. . The cord can be flexible, but can still retain some of its shape in a free state. In addition, the cord can have several elastomeric components. Further, different code sections (eg, toe leather that can be compared to lands) can have different degrees of flexibility, elasticity, and the like. In one example, different materials can be used in different sections of the code structure 66. For example, a more flexible type of cord may be used in the upper portion of the cord structure 66 and a less flexible type of cord may be used in the lower portion of the cord structure. . Further, the portion of the cord structure that is coupled to the sole may be completely completely covered by the sole in one example. In another example, the portion of the cord structure that is coupled to the sole may be only partially covered. For example, the portion of the cord structure near the toes may be covered, while the portion of the cord structure near the heel may not be covered or vice versa. The covered portion of the cord structure reduces the possibility of premature wear of the cord caused by wear from pebbles, dirt, and / or other particles from the outside environment. As a result, the life of the footwear article is increased.

  In one example, one or more cords in the cord structure 66 may extend through openings in the sole 52 to facilitate connection of the sole to the cord structure. Further alternatively, a portion of the cord structure may be bound, glued (eg, glued), and / or snapped to the sole to provide a connection between the sole and the cord structure. to enable. In another example, a plurality of anchoring points attached to the cord structure can be fixedly attached to the sole (eg, injection molding to the sole). These mooring points can be individual code loops.

  In one example, the code structure 66 can be a looped top. In such an example, the looped top may be formed in a lattice-like pattern, but is substantially free of knots at a plurality of slippable boundaries positioned away from the sole 52.

  The cord structure 66 can be the upper portion of the footwear article 50. The code structure 66 may at least partially enclose the foot. The code structure 66 includes a land substructure 68. This land substructure is connected to the sole 52. In particular, in one example, a sole attachment curve in the land substructure 68 can be coupled to and / or extend through an attachment opening in the sole. In one example, the attachment curve may be formed via a single cord in the land substructure 68. Thus, a single cord can have multiple bends. A bend is a curved portion or section of a larger cord in cord structure 66. Therefore, the bend can be part of a loop in the cord.

  The land substructure 68 further includes a claw leather attachment curved portion 74. The toe cap attachment bend 74 (e.g., interconnected, interlocked, bound, interwoven, and / or slidably engaged) in the toe strap substructure 78 in the cord structure 66. Are connected to the land mounting curved portion 76 included in the. The interconnection between the claw leather mounting curve 74 and the land mounting curve forms a loop line 69. This loop line 69 may be the boundary between the land substructure 68 and the claw leather substructure 78. The loop line 69 extends in a direction from the heel side 60 of the footwear article 60 to the toe side 58 of the footwear article. The loop line 69 also extends from the tibial side 62 of the footwear article 50 to the radial side 64 of the footwear article. This loop line 69 may extend around the footwear article to the periphery, and in one example may traverse around the entire top. Further, it can be appreciated that the loop line 69 can extend arcuately around at least a portion of the footwear article 50. Other loop line configurations can be contemplated. For example, the loop line may extend across the article of footwear from a first side to a second side. Furthermore, in another example, the loop line may extend arcuately from the first side of the heel counter to the second side of the heel counter. In yet another example, the loop line may extend around the footwear article laterally across the footwear article and arcuately around the front (eg, toe side) of the footwear article. In yet another example, the loop line may only extend around a portion of the footwear article, such as a portion adjacent to the toe side or the heel side of the footwear article. Still further, in one example, an article of footwear may include a plurality of loop lines.

  The claw leather substructure 78 is spaced apart from the sole 52 in the depicted example (eg, vertically spaced apart). Further, the land substructure 68 can be positioned vertically on the sole 52 and the claw leather substructure 78 can be positioned vertically on the land substructure. A vertical axis is provided for reference. However, it is recognized that other footwear article orientations may be used if desired. It will be appreciated that the toe leather substructure 78 may be spaced away from the sole 52 when the article of footwear is not worn. The cord structure 66 may retain its shape along with the inner structure of the cord due to the interconnection between the claw leather substructure 78 and the land substructure 68. Exemplary interconnects are discussed in further detail herein.

  FIG. 3 shows a more detailed view of at least a partial sliding interconnection between the claw strap attachment curve 74 and the land attachment curve 76. As depicted in FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the claw attachment curve 74 is shown interlocked with the land attachment curve. In this way, the toe leather substructure can be coupled to the land substructure without the use of an adhesive, if desired. However, it will be appreciated that in some instances an adhesive may be used to connect certain elements in the footwear article. In one example, the sliding connection between the curved portions may not be knotted. However, in another example, at least a portion of the claw leather mounting curve 74 may be fixedly coupled to at least a portion of the land mounting curve 76. In another example, a binding lock can be used to provide a partial sliding interconnect. For example, a loose or tight bound boundary may be provided at the cord junction in the upper part. By controlling the amount of slippable engagement in the various sections of the article of footwear, the desired fit characteristics can be achieved to increase wearer comfort.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the claw leather sub-structure 78 further includes a lace attachment curve 80. The lace mounting curved portion 80 is shown connected to a lace cord 82 in FIG. Specifically, the race cord 82 extends through the race attachment curve 80. The length of the lace cord 82 can be adjusted by the wearer. However, alternative race code forms are considered. For example, an article of footwear can be constructed without a lace cord. In this way, the wearer can quickly and easily put on and take off the article of footwear without having to tie a lace cord. In such an example, elastomeric material may be provided to the footwear article, allowing controlled expansion and contraction of portions of the cord structure. In addition, different lace patterns are considered. For example, the code structure may include an eyestay. The cords in the cord structure can extend through the eyestay. Further, the eyestay may include an eyelet and / or a loop and is described in more detail herein with respect to FIG.

  Race code 82 may be included in code structure 66 in some examples. However, in other examples, the race code 82 may not be included in the code structure 66. In such an example, an elastomer or other suitable material may be used to provide an article of footwear with slip-on capability.

  Many relative lengths of toe leather cords, land cords, and / or lace cords are contemplated. The portions of land cord 84 and toe leather cord 86 are also shown in FIG. A sole cord 72 is also shown in FIG. 3, and a sole attachment curve 70 is also shown in FIG. This sole cord may be included in the cord structure 66 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the sole cord 72 is intertwined with the sole attachment bending portion 70.

  It will be appreciated that the construction methods described herein allow, in some embodiments, a choice to specifically change the dimensioning and to adjust the dimensioning with minimal workpiece spending. The For example, the above construction based on code length allows for variations in size without changing the top pattern or without obtaining different size cutting dies. Thus, in some embodiments, the size of the top can be changed by changing the cord length. The loops can remain in their relative position for each size. Such a configuration reduces costs by utilizing tools of the same size.

  Similarly, footwear customization may be applied to improve fit for a particular user. With the generation of an electronic scan of the foot, a customized and personalized code can be used to produce customized footwear based on this scan. For example, lengthening (or shortening) loops, positioning and dimensioning loop lines, and adjusting code size, alone or in combination, tailor the top to specific dimensions of the scanned foot and customize Can be adjusted to provide a fit.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the land cord 84 and the toe leather cord 86 are depicted as round cords in FIG. However, other shapes are contemplated. For example, one or more cords can be a flat cord, or one or more cords can have a flat end and a rounded middle section. In another example, one or more cords may have one or more flat sections and one or more round sections. For example, the code may include a round section followed by a flat section, and so on. Accordingly, the sole cord 72 shown in FIG. 3 may be flat, round, or have different sections with varying geometric shapes. Further, the land cord 84, the toe leather cord 86, and the lace cord 82 are all depicted as having similar cross-sectional areas (eg, diameter) and / or geometric shapes. In one example, the diameter of the one or more cords can be between 1/8 inch and 1/16 inch. However, in other examples, the code may have a varying width. It will be appreciated that the sole cord 72 shown in FIG. 3 may have a geometric shape similar to a land cord, a toe leather cord, and / or a lace cord in one example. However, in other examples, the cross-sectional area / geometric shape of the land cord 84, the claw leather cord 86, the sole cord 72, and / or the lace cord 82 may vary. For example, the cross-sectional area of the land cord may be larger than the claw leather cord. In another example, the land cord can be circular and the claw leather cord can be flat.

  Further, in some examples, the land cord 84, the toe leather cord 86, and / or the lace cord 82 may include similar material (s). However, in other examples, the cords described above may include different materials. The one or more cords can include synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, aramid, and / or acrylate polymers. Further, the one or more cords can include natural fibers such as cotton, linen, coir, and the like. Further, in one example, the one or more cords can include a polymeric material.

  Further, the land cord 84, the toe leather cord 86, and / or the lace cord 82 may be designed with different material properties, allowing the footwear article to have the desired structural characteristics. For example, the lace cord 82 may have greater elasticity than the land cord 84 and / or the claw leather cord 86.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical height of the claw leather mounting curved portion increases in the rearward direction extending toward the heel side 60 of the footwear article 50. The width of the interlocked claw leather cord section that extends from the lace cord to the land cord may also increase in a rearward direction that extends toward the heel side 60 of the article of footwear 50.

  Footwear article 50 may also include a heel counter 97. This heel counter, or other support structure of the footwear article, may be included in the upper portion discussed above. It will be appreciated that the stiffness / flexibility of the heel counter 97 may be selected to provide a desired amount of support to the cord structure 66. In particular, the heel counter 97 may prevent the cord structure from bending outward and / or downward in an undesired amount toward the sole. In this way, the code structure can maintain a desired shape. As a result, a wearer of a footwear article can quickly and comfortably wear and take off the footwear article. The heel counter 97 may include a different material than the cord structure 66, such as leather, synthetic leather, fabric, and the like. However, in some examples, the heel support structure may also include a cord. In some examples, the loop line 69 may extend through the heel counter 97. Further, the heel counter 97 can be coupled to the sole 52. In particular, in some examples, the heel counter structure may extend from the sole 52 (eg, vertically or at an angle). The heel counter 97 is coupled to the land substructure 68 in the depicted example. Connection cord 98 is shown extending through the bend in land substructure 68 and through opening 99 in heel counter 97. In this way, the heel counter 97 provides support to the cord structure and protects a portion of the cord structure from the external environment. Additionally or alternatively, the heel counter 97 may be coupled to the claw leather substructure 78, thereby providing support to the substructure. The heel counter may have greater stiffness than the cord structure 66. In one example, the connection cord 98 can be part of the toe leather cord 86 or the land cord 84. Furthermore, a portion of the cord structure extends around the width of the heel counter 97. However, other heel counter configurations are contemplated. In one example, the cord ends of the cord structure may be coupled to the heel counter and / or may be coupled to each other within the heel counter. In one example, the heel counter 97 may have greater stiffness in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction. This vertical stiffness of the support can provide the desired amount of support to the cord structure. However, other heel counter 97 material properties are contemplated.

  The footwear article 50 shown in FIG. 1 further includes an eyestay 110. The cord in the cord structure 66 may extend through the eyestay 110. In the depicted example, it will be appreciated that one or more code sections extend through the eyestay 110. However, in other examples, alternative eyestay designs are contemplated. The eyestay 110 may provide the desired cord spacing and cord support for the cord structure. In this way, the eyestay 110 can limit the free movement of the cord extending therethrough. The eyestay 110 may be included in the upper structure 112. In one example, the superstructure 112 may be adjacent to the shoe article tongue 114. The superstructure may include a different material than the code structure in one example. Exemplary eyestay materials include fabrics, leather, synthetic leather, fabrics, polymeric materials, and the like. In other examples, an article of footwear may include multiple eyestays.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the article of footwear 50 may include a bootie 2000 that is at least partially wrapped by a cord structure 66. The bootie 2000 may be coupled to the code structure 66 in some examples. However, in other examples, this bootie 2000 may not be connected to the code structure 66. The bootie 2000 may be in the form of a sock in one example. Further, the bootie may include a material such as neoprene in one example. This bootie provides increased isolation to the wearer's foot and provides additional protection from the outside environment.

  Further, in some examples, one or more sheaths may wrap a portion of at least one of the land cord 84 and the toe leather cord 86 (eg, wrap around the periphery). Thus, the sheath may surround various sections of the cord in the cord structure. For example, a plurality of sheaths may surround a portion of the land cord 84 from the claw leather attachment curve 74 to the land attachment curve 76. In this way, the sheath can act as a protective cover for the cord. In some examples, the sheath may be in shared contact with the outer surface of the cord. However, in other examples, the sheath may be spaced apart from the outer surface of the cord. These sheaths may be cylindrical in one example. However, other sheath geometries are contemplated. Further, multiple sheaths can be used to form a toe cap around the toe side of the footwear article. These sheaths can provide increased structural integrity to desired regions of the cord structure 66, allowing the cord structure 66 to maintain a desired shape. These sheaths may include a material different from the toe leather cord and / or the land cord. In one example, these sheaths can include a polymeric material. These sheaths can also protect the cord from damage.

  FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an example sole 52. As previously discussed, the sole 52 may be included in the footwear article 50, as shown in FIG. The sole 52 includes a first portion 200, a second portion 202, and a third portion 204. In the assembled configuration, the first and second portions (200 and ° 202) can be coupled to the third portion 204 (eg, bound, glued, snapped, etc.). Further, in the assembled configuration, the surfaces of the first and second portions (200 and 202) may conform (eg, fit) to the contour with the surface in the third portion 204. Thus, the surfaces in the second and third portions can be in common contact with the surfaces in the first portion.

  Further, the third section 204 includes a plurality of openings 206. In one example, there may be 17 openings on each side of the sole. In another example, there may be less than 26 openings on each side of the sole. Still further, in another example, there may be less than 30 openings on each side of the sole, or 15-30 openings on each side of the sole. The series of openings may be spaced apart from each other by 4 millimeters (mm) or more. It will be appreciated that the spacing and dimensions of the openings affect the structural properties of the sole. For example, if the sole includes too many openings, the integrity of the sole can be compromised. Thus, the sole may have a maximum number of openings and / or a maximum opening separation in one example. The size of the opening may be determined based on the size of the cord, the type of machine tool used for manufacturing, and the like. In one example, the cord size (eg, cord diameter or thickness) can be directly correlated to the hole size. In the depicted example, a portion of the opening has a similar geometric shape and size. However, other opening geometries and sizes are contemplated. One or more cords in the cord structure may extend through these openings as previously discussed.

  Further, the number of eye stays in the code structure, discussed in more detail herein, can be correlated (eg, directly correlated) to the number of openings in the sole. Specifically, in one example, the number of eyestays is equal to the number of openings in the sole. Further, in one example, a single cord can extend from the eyestay to an opening in the sole. For example, the cord can extend through the eyestay and then through an opening in the sole, and so on. However, other code configurations are contemplated. For example, different cords can extend through attachment openings in the eyestay and sole. In yet another example, one cord can extend through a portion of the eye stay and the opening, a second cord can extend through the remaining eye stay, and a third cord can pass through the remaining eye stay. Can extend.

  With continued reference to FIG. 2, sole cords and / or other cords included in the cord structure of the footwear article are between the first portion 200 and the third portion 204 and / or the second portion. It can be positioned between the portion 202 and the third portion 204. In this way, the cord is protected from an external environment that can transfer dirt, pebbles, and / or other particles to the cord. As a result, fraying to the cord structure is reduced, thereby increasing the life of the footwear article. However, in other examples, at least a portion of the code structure may be exposed to the external environment. Building the sole in multiple pieces can also simplify footwear article assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Further, the sole cord 72 shown in FIG. 3 may be positioned in a recess 208 that extends around the periphery of the sole. However, other sole cord positions are contemplated. For example, the sole cord may extend across the sole from the first lateral side to the second lateral side one or more times. Further, the unassembled sole cord may include a first end and a second end. It will be appreciated that the ends of the sole cord may be attached to each other or to other components in the footwear article when assembled. Further, the sole cord can include a polymeric material.

  The sole attachment curve included in the cord structure 66 shown in FIG. 1 may be attached to a sole cord positioned in the recess 208 shown in FIG. A sole attachment curve may be positioned in each of the openings 206. The land mounting curve shown in FIG. 1 may be coupled to the sole mounting curve (eg, interconnect, interlock, etc.). In this way, the sole cord can be coupled to the land cord without the use of an adhesive, if desired.

  4-9 show various views of a second example footwear article 50. In particular, FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of a second example footwear article 50. As shown, the sole cord 72 passes through the bottom surface of the sole 52. In particular, the sole cord 72 follows a peripheral path around the sole 52. Therefore, the sole cord 72 shown in FIG. 4 does not cross the sole a plurality of times as shown in FIG. However, other solecord positions are contemplated. For example, the sole cord may extend around the periphery of the sole in the first section and traverse the sole in the second section. Further, in the depicted example, each of the sole mounting curves 70 extends through a single opening 400 in the sole. However, other sole mounting bend configurations are contemplated. The openings are discussed above with respect to FIG. 1 and may be included in the plurality of mounting openings 54.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view of the footwear article 50 of the second example including the cord structure 66. The portions of the toe cap structure 78, such as the lace attachment curve 80, are grouped together by the string 500 and / or other suitable attachment techniques. Grouped lace attachment curves 80 allow for different lacing patterns to be used with footwear article 50 and land structure 68. Grouped codes can be selectively chosen based on desired end-use characteristics. In one example, sections of code are grouped while other sections cannot be concatenated with each other. In FIG. 5, it will be appreciated that the land structure 68 is connected to the claw structure 78 in a manner similar to the connection technique shown in FIG. A foot mannequin 1667 and race cord 82 are also shown in FIG. As shown, the race cord 82 extends through the race attachment curve 80.

  FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the footwear article 50 of the second example. The sole 52, land substructure 68, and claw leather substructure 78 are shown in FIG. A land cord 84 and a toe leather cord 86 are also shown in FIG. The land cord 84 and the claw leather cord 86 are attached via the tape 600. However, other suitable coupling techniques are contemplated. For example, the land cord 84 and the toe leather cord 86 can be bound together and attached by snaps, clips, and the like. In some examples, the location of the attachment point between the land cord 84 and the toe leather cord 86 is adjustable, allowing the article of footwear to be customized by the wearer. The end of the cord in the land substructure and / or the claw leather substructure may be attached near the heel side of the footwear article. The ends can be bound together, glued (eg cemented), tied and / or taped. Additionally or alternatively, portions of the land substructure and / or the claw leather substructure can be at least partially enclosed via a protective sleeve. In such instances, the ends of the cords in these substructures can be glued together, bound, tied and / or taped in a protective sleeve and / or a portion of the protective sleeve Connected to In this way, the end of the cord is not in direct contact with the wearer's foot, which may improve the wearer's comfort.

  FIG. 7 shows a front view of a second example footwear article 50 that includes a cord structure 66. The sole 52, the sole cord 72, the land substructure 68, the claw leather structure 78, and the lace cord 82. It will be appreciated that the land substructure 68 is coupled to the claw leather structure 78 in a manner similar to the first example footwear article shown in FIG. The land attachment curved portion 76 in the claw leather sub-structure is interconnected with the claw leather attachment curved portion 74 in the land sub-structure, and as shown in FIG. Form. The sole mounting curve 70 is again shown extending through the sole 52. However, other sole mounting bend configurations are contemplated.

  FIG. 8 shows a first side view of a second example footwear article 50 that includes a cord structure 66. Sole 52, sole cord 72, land substructure 68, and claw leather substructure 78 are also depicted in FIG. The sole cord 72 is shown extending through the sole attachment curve 70. As shown, the land attachment curve 76 in the claw leather substructure is interconnected with the claw leather attachment curve 74.

  FIG. 9 shows a second side view of a second example footwear article 50 that includes a cord structure 66. Again, sole 52, sole cord 72, land substructure 68, and claw leather substructure 78 are also shown. Sole cord 72 is also shown extending through sole attachment curve 70. As shown, the land attachment curve 76 in the claw leather substructure is interconnected with the claw leather attachment curve 74.

  10-15 show various views of a third example footwear article 50. In particular, FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of a third example footwear article 50. The sole 52 and the sole mounting curved portion 70 are shown in FIG. It will be appreciated that the sole cord is omitted from the example footwear article shown in FIG. Therefore, each sole cord of the sole mounting curved portion 70 extends through the two openings 1000 in the sole 52. In one example, the sole mounting curve 70 can be bound and / or glued to the sole. In this way, a greater amount of attachment strength can be provided between the attachment bend and the sole, reducing slippable engagement. In one example, the cord can be engaged with the sole, which can be locked, partially locked, slipably engaged, or limited slipably engaged. .

  FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a third example footwear article 50 including a cord structure 66. The sole 52, land substructure 68, claw leather substructure 78, lace cord 82, and heel counter 97 are shown in FIG. A string 1100 or other suitable cord is woven through the toe leather structure 78 to provide additional support to the structure. As shown, the land attachment curve 76 in the claw leather substructure is interconnected with the claw leather attachment curve 74. In the third example footwear article 50, the land substructure 68 is connected to the claw leather substructure 78 in a manner similar to the first and second example footwear articles discussed above. Is recognized. However, other linking techniques are contemplated.

  FIGS. 12 and 13 show different side views of a third example footwear article 50 that includes a cord structure 66. Sole 52, land substructure 68, claw leather substructure 78, heel counter 97, and lace cord 82 are also shown in FIGS. As shown, the land attachment curve 76 in the claw leather substructure is interconnected with the claw leather attachment curve 74 and the land substructure. It will be appreciated that each of the sole mounting curves 70 includes a first portion that extends through a first opening in the sole 52 and a second portion that extends through a second opening in the sole 52. Is done. In this way, the sole cord can be omitted if desired.

  FIG. 14 shows a front view of a third example footwear article 50 that includes a cord structure 66. Sole 52, land substructure 68, claw leather substructure 78, heel counter 97, and lace cord 82 are also shown in FIG. As shown, the land attachment curve 76 in the claw leather substructure is interconnected with the claw leather attachment curve 74.

  FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the footwear article 50. The heel counter 97 and the sole 52 are shown in FIG. The heel counter 97 provides support and retention for an individual's heel. In this way, the comfort of the footwear article is increased. The part of the selected cord in the cord structure 66 may extend through the heel counter 97. In addition or alternatively, parts of the selected chord can be coupled to the heel counter.

  FIG. 16 shows another example footwear article 50. The footwear article shown in FIG. 16 includes a cord structure 66 and a sole 52. As discussed above, the code structure 66 is included in the upper portion 67. The cord structure 66 includes a land substructure 68 and a claw leather structure 78. The claw leather structure 78 includes a land attachment curve 76 and the land substructure 68 includes a claw leather attachment curve 74. A loop line 69 is also depicted in FIG. A lace cord 82, a land cord 84, a sole cord 72, and a claw leather cord 86 are also shown in FIG. Further, a heel counter 97, a connecting cord 98, and an opening 99 are shown in FIG.

  Footwear article 50 may further include an outsole 1653. Outsole 1653 can be coupled to sole 52. For example, the outsole 1653 can be bound to the insole / midsole 52 or otherwise attached. However, in other examples, the outsole may not be included in the footwear article, or the outsole may be integrated into the sole. A foot mannequin 1667 is depicted in FIG. 16 for reference.

  In the example depicted in FIG. 16, the land substructure 68 includes only a single land cord 84 and the claw structure 78 includes a single claw cord 86. However, in other examples, more than one cord, or code section, may be used to form a land substructure or a claw leather substructure. A land code before construction of the code structure 66 is shown at 1688. The unassembled land code includes a first end 1689 and a second end 1690. The ends of the land cords can be attached to each other or to other components in the footwear article when assembled. A toe leather cord before construction of the cord structure is shown at 1691. The unassembled claw leather cord includes a first end 1692 and a second end 1693. It will be appreciated that the ends of the toe leather cord can be attached to each other or to other components in the footwear article when assembled. The race code before construction of the code structure 66 is indicated by 1694. The race cord includes a first end 1695 and a second end 1696.

  The sole 52 includes a mounting opening 1654. In the depicted example, the mounting opening 1654 is a gap positioned around the periphery 1656 of the sole 52. However, in other examples, the mounting opening 1654 may be an aperture that is offset from the periphery of the sole 52 or otherwise spaced. The attachment opening 1654 extends from the toe side 58 of the footwear article 50 to the heel side 60 of the footwear article. The attachment opening 54 also extends from the tibial side 62 of the footwear article 50 to the rib side 64 of the footwear article.

  Sole attachment curve 1670 may extend through attachment opening 1654. In particular, in one example, the sole attachment curve 1670 can extend from the top side of the sole 52 to the bottom side of the sole. However, other sole mounting bend positions are contemplated. The bend may be used for attachment and coupling between components in the footwear article 50. The sole cord 72 may extend through the sole attachment curve 1670. In particular, the land attachment curve 1673 in the sole cord 72 can be connected to the sole attachment curve 1670 (eg, interconnected, interlocked, intertwined, passed, pushed through). In particular, in one example, the sole cord 72 is fixed on the mounting curved portion 1673. However, in another example, the attachment bending portion 1673 in the sole cord 72 may not be connected to the sole attachment bending portion 1670. The sole cord 72, the attachment between the land attachment curve 1670 in the sole cord 72, and the sole attachment curve 1670 in the land cord are discussed in more detail herein with respect to FIG.

  FIG. 17 illustrates another example footwear article 50. The footwear article 50 shown in FIG. 17 includes a toe cap 1700 coupled to the cord structure 66. This toe cap may be generally referred to as a support structure. In one example, the toe cap 1700 may enclose a portion of the cord structure 66. However, in other examples, the cord structure 66 can be coupled to the peripheral portion of the toe cap 1700. Thus, in such an example, the toe cap interrupts the cord structure 66 and divides it into a plurality of separate sections. The toe cap 1700, in one example, can be constructed from a material that has less flexibility than the cord structure. However, other toe cap characteristics can be contemplated. The footwear article 50 shown in FIG. 17 further includes a heel counter 1702. As shown, the heel counter 1702 extends toward the front end of the article along the length of the article. Further, in the depicted example, the heel counter 1702 is positioned away from the toe cap 1700. However, in other examples, the heel counter and the toe cap can be positioned adjacent to each other.

  FIG. 18 shows another example footwear article 50. A support structure 1800 is shown included in the footwear article 50 in FIG. The support structure 1800 extends around the heel and down the article toward the front of the article. The support structure 1800 further includes a portion that extends from the toe of the article toward the sole 52. The support structure 1800 shown in FIG. 18 is a continuous piece of material. However, it will be appreciated that the footwear article may include a plurality of support structures spaced apart from each other, as shown in FIG. In such an example, each of the support structures may be formed from a continuous piece of separate material. Support structure 1800 includes control strip 1802 and heel section 1804. The control strip and heel section provide controlled support to the structure 66. In this way, support can be provided to the cord structure 66 at a desired location.

  FIG. 19 shows another example footwear article 50. The footwear article cord structure 66 is shown. The code structure 66 shown in FIG. 19 includes a first section 1900 and a second section 1902 that are spaced apart from each other. The first section 1900 includes two or more codes, and the second section 1902 includes two or more codes that are different from the codes in the first section.

  The slippable engagement between the cords in the sections of the cord structure 66 can vary from section to section. For example, the cord in the second section 1902 may be partially fixed and engaged at a selected point, and the cord in the first section 1900 may be slipably engaged at the selected point. Can be combined, or vice versa. In this way, the code structure may have varying degrees of compliance in different sections. As shown, these sections are divided in the longitudinal direction. However, alternating section boundaries are contemplated. For example, the first section can extend around the upper portion of the footwear article and the lower section can extend around the lower portion of the footwear article adjacent to the sole. It will be appreciated that the boundaries of these sections may be selected based on the desired end use characteristics. In other examples, the code structure may be divided into more than two sections. Variations in the degree of engagement between the code structure sections allow the desired area of the footwear article to have a greater degree of movement than other areas of the footwear article. Therefore, the suitability characteristics of the footwear article can be selected for a particular region of the footwear article. As a result, the fit and comfort of the footwear article is improved. In yet another example, the cords in the cord structure may be entangled only in selected areas of the footwear article. For example, the heel portion and the toe portion of the footwear article may not include an intertwined cord, and the section between the heel portion and the toe portion may have an intertwined cord.

  FIG. 20 shows another example footwear article 50. As previously discussed, the article of footwear includes booties 2000 that are at least partially surrounded by a cord structure 66. As discussed above, the code structure may be attached to a bootie in one example. Additionally or alternatively, bootie 2000 can be attached to sole 52. The booties may be attached to the heel counter 97 in one example. However, in other examples, the bootie 2000 may not be attached to the heel counter 97. Sole 52 is also depicted in FIG. It will be appreciated that the footwear article shown in FIGS. 16-20 may include a sole similar to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a plan view of the footwear article 50 of the example shown in FIG. The Booty 2000 is depicted again. This bootie 2000 is surrounded by a code structure 66. In one example, bootie 2000 may be attached to a portion of cord structure 66 (eg, bound, glued, etc.). However, in other examples, the bootie 2000 may not be attached to the cord structure 66. In addition, the heel counter 97 is also depicted in FIG. The heel counter 97 is connected to the cord structure 66.

  FIG. 22 shows a section of an example sole 52. The sole includes an opening 2200. The opening receives a section of code 2202 included in the code structure discussed above that snaps into the opening 2200 as opposed to passing through the opening, as shown in the previous example. This is the configuration. Therefore, the opening 2200 can hold the cord by elastic force. It will be appreciated that a plurality of this type of “snap-in” openings may be included in the sole 52.

  FIG. 23 shows another example sole 52. The sole 52 includes a core section 2300 and an outer ring section 2302. The core section 2300 includes an opening 2304. It is recognized that the cord passes through the opening 2304 during the construction of the footwear article. Further, the outer ring section 2302 can extend around the core section 2300 to the periphery. In some examples, the sole 52 can include a plurality of outer ring sections. However, in other examples, the sole may include a single outer ring section that extends circumferentially around the entire core section. Outer ring section 2302 and core section 2300 are glued together, sewn, or otherwise suitably attached to core section 2300.

  FIG. 24 shows another example sole 52. The sole includes a pin 2400 located in an opening 2401 on the sole 52. A cord 2402 included in the cord structure may extend around this pin. In this example, the cord passes through the opening 2401 twice. In this way, the cord can be attached to the sole through a single opening with limited slip. In one example, it will be appreciated that the pins may be included in multiple openings in the sole. Further, in another example, a portion of the opening in the sole may include a pin, and another portion of the opening may not include a pin.

  It is recognized that the configurations and / or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature and that these specific embodiments or examples should not be considered in a limiting sense. This is because many modifications are possible. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various features, functions, acts and / or properties disclosed herein, and any and all of their equivalents. .

Claims (16)

A footwear article, the article of footwear includes an upper, and a sole having a plurality of openings, at least in part, a plurality of codes intertwined is engaged slip can engaged in the upper, the code is configured legs so as to at least partially surround, at least one code of the code is engaged with the sole,
The code at the top is
A land substructure including a sole mounting curved portion and a claw leather mounting curved portion, wherein the land substructure is coupled to the sole via the sole mounting curved portion, and each of the sole mounting curved portions is A land substructure coupled to and / or extending through a corresponding opening in one of the plurality of openings;
A sole cord intertwined with the sole mounting curved portion of the land substructure;
A claw leather substructure including a land attachment curve, the claw leather substructure being spaced apart from the sole, wherein the land attachment curve is the claw leather of the land substructure. Nail leather substructure connected to the mounting bend
Including footwear articles. The top is two or more uninterrupted cords, the uninterrupted cords being uninterrupted cords that engage themselves, and / or one or more additional cords, The article of footwear according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of cords, wherein the cords are intertwined at a plurality of selected locations but are still at least partially slipably engaged. The slip-engaged position is positioned along one or more loop lines that traverse around a portion of the upper portion, the one or more loop lines including the claw leather mounting curve and the land. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the article is a line passing through a plurality of interconnections between the mounting bends . A first cord of the slipably engaged and intertwined cords forms a first plurality of loops, and a second cord of the slipably engaged and intertwined cords Forms a second plurality of loops, and the first loop of the first plurality of loops is slidably moved relative to at least two loops of the second plurality of loops Possible and intertwined, wherein a second loop of the at least two loops of the second plurality of loops is the first of the first plurality of loops including the first loop The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, being slidably movable and entangled with respect to at least two loops.   5. The article of footwear according to claim 4, wherein the first plurality of loops are land-attached curved portions, and the second plurality of loops are claw leather-attached curved portions. Ru 1 or more and entangled by Tei of the support structure the code, article of footwear of claim 1. The support structure has the code by remote less flexible article of footwear according to claim 1. The article of footwear according to claim 6 , wherein the support structure is a heel counter adjacent to the heel side of the sole. A plurality of code combined before Ki絡 seen is flexible to bend in any direction, yet retain at least partly the shape in a free state, footwear article of claim 1. The upper is a loop-shaped upper, said at least one code of the code for engaging the sole at the boundary between the sole is attached with a limited slip, claims Footwear articles as described in any one of 1-2 and 4-8 . Said code in said upper portion, in a state of slipping engagement with respect to each other, the slip engagement is formed at the boundary between the code, the boundaries between the code along the loop line is positioned, the loop line, across the lateral side and the center side of the upper, Ri further transected forefoot area and / or the toe region, the loop line, said vamp attachment bend the land mounting curved portion The footwear article of claim 10 , wherein the article is a line through a plurality of interconnections between the footwear. 12. An article of footwear according to claim 11 , wherein the looped top is formed in an intertwined pattern, but is substantially free of knots at slippery boundaries positioned away from the sole. Before Kiko over de is Ru Tei is connected to the sole through a mounting opening in the sole article of footwear according to claim 10. The Randosabu structure comprises one or more land code, and / or,
The vamp substructure comprises one or more vamp code, article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Further comprising a heel counter connected to the code, one or more of the codes, Ru Tei extends through the heel counter, article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 14 . The code includes a first section and a second section having a slip can engage different degrees of article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 15.